Keyboard with improved lateral region

ABSTRACT

A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key. The application switching device is preferably configured to provide a command, when actuated, to move between open applications. The application switching device may be independently-actuable, and/or dedicated and labeled as an application switching device. Additionally, the application switching device may be movable for actuation in opposing directions. Exemplary embodiments of the application switching device include a toggle switch, a rotatable dial, a laterally slidable member, and one or two keys. The second group of keys, application switching device and the scrolling member make performing “composition” tasks more efficient.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/326,105, filed Dec. 23, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,524, which is adivision of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/843,723, filed Apr. 30,2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,535. These applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to keyboards for entering datainto text and office systems such as computers. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a keyboard having an improved lateral inputregion for increasing the efficiency of consumption and composition ofinformation used in computer activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People use computers for many different activities. Many activitiescommonly performed by computer users may be considered as “consumption”activities. Other activities commonly performed by computer users may beconsidered as “composition” activities. Consumption activities areactivities where the user typically reads, listens to, searches for,locates, and/or “gathers” information from one or more sources. Forexample, consumption activities include browsing the Internet, orotherwise viewing information on screen, such as viewing spreadsheets orreading e-mail, reports, documents, or other text and images.Consumption activities are commonly performed when the user is browsingor searching web pages and databases. When performing these activities,it is common to use “Back” and “Forward” commands, scroll within an opendocument, and/or switch between open applications for multi-tasking orfor referencing or sharing information between different documents.However, existing keyboards have not maximized a user's ability toperform these consumption activities.

Composition activities are activities performed by computer users whenediting, creating, and/or composing text, web pages, spreadsheets, videoor audio data, or other forms of data that can be presented on computerdisplay. During these activities, it is common to highlight and editvarious data portions, switch between multiple documents andapplications, and/or scroll within existing documents. It is also commonto take pieces of information or data from one document and put theminto another document—either of the same document type or a differentdocument type. Similarly, existing keyboards have not maximized a user'sability to perform these composition activities.

Additionally, to perform consumption and composition activities, a usercommonly uses a keyboard in conjunction with a separate pointing devicesuch as a computer mouse. However, there has been little improvement toexisting keyboards for increasing the combined efficiency of a keyboardand a separate pointing device. For example, many keyboards are designedin a manner that requires the user to change hand positions frequentlybetween the keyboard and the separate pointing device to perform manycommon tasks. This, in turn, results in increased distractions andreduced focus when performing various consumption and compositionactivities.

Further, interactions between keyboards and separate pointing devicesfor performing many computer tasks commonly place much of the burden onthe dominant hand, typically the right hand, that traditionally controlsthe mouse or other pointing device. This can overburden the dominanthand to an extent that prevents the maximization of efficiency. Further,many existing short commands are performed by reaching for and engagingthe separate pointing device (e.g., to “copy” a selected item). However,the step of reaching and engaging the separate pointing device reducesefficiency if the activities just prior to and just following engagingthe pointing device are typing on the keyboard—as can commonly be thecase.

Additionally, when using a computer, users will commonly switch betweenopen applications or “window”. An open application or window is anactive program and/or open file. To perform this task, users commonlyreach for a mouse or another separate pointing device, move the cursorto a desired location positioned over a graphical user interface, suchas an icon on a task bar, and click on a graphical user interfacecorresponding to a desired open application. At least one operatingsystem, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS®, provides a keyboard shortcut wherebypressing the Alt key and the Tab key in combination (with the Alt keybeing pressed first) can effect switching between open applications.However, many users are not aware that this shortcut exists, and its usealso has drawbacks, as it requires a two-step sequential operation toactivate and an awkward position in the left hand.

Accordingly, a keyboard enabling a user to more efficiently performconsumption and composition based activities and switch between openapplications, and reduce unnecessary actions for commonly performedtasks was thus needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved keyboardhaving a functional and advantageous lateral input region.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a new set of inputelements on a computer keyboard designed to complement an separatepointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enableboth the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together toperform various functions, which in turn, increases user efficiency whenperforming “consumption” and “composition” tasks.

Further aspects of the invention provide a keyboard having analphanumeric section, and an input region disposed laterally from thealphanumeric section. The input region has a rotatable member or otherscrolling device and an input element for providing a Forward or a Backcommand when activated.

Other aspects of the invention provide a keyboard having an alphanumericsection, and an input region disposed laterally from the alphanumericsection. The input region has a rotatable member or other scrollingdevice. The input region also has a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Pastekey.

In other aspects of the invention, a keyboard includes an applicationswitching device configured to provide a command, when actuated, to movebetween open applications or windows. The application switching deviceis (a) independently-actuable, (b) provided with indicia indicating itsfunction, (c) dedicated as an application switching device, and/or (d)spaced from an alphanumeric section of the keyboard.

In yet other aspects of the invention, a keyboard includes a rotatablemember. The rotatable member has an asymmetric outer profile and/or isfrustum-shaped.

Further objects, features and other aspects of this invention will beunderstood from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments of this invention with reference to the attached drawingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary keyboard according to one or moreaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a region located laterally from thealphanumeric section of the keyboard of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3–5 are enlarged plan views similar to FIG. 2 showing alternateembodiments of an application switching device;

FIG. 6 is a graphical user interface in the MICROSOFT® WINDOWS®operating environment showing an open or active file in a firstgraphical interface region and a plurality of graphical iconscorresponding to other open files and applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a preface to this section, a few terms as used herein are defined.

A “key cluster” is defined as a group of keys, each of which isimmediately adjacent, or in close proximity, to at least another keywithin the cluster and set apart from other keys on the keyboard by adistance larger than the spacing between the adjacent keys in thecluster and by a portion of the keyboard housing.

A key is “labeled” as a certain type of key when it includes indiciathereon or immediately adjacent thereto corresponding to the image to beprovided or associated function to be performed when that key ispressed.

An “input region” is a group of input elements disposed in an areaproximal to one another. An “input zone” is an input region wherein allof the input elements are positioned such that each input element ispositioned within the natural finger extension range of the common userto be accessible by the digits of the hand when he or she is using theother input elements in the zone. Preferably, an input zone is no morethan 12.5 centimeters in length in any direction.

Exemplary keyboard designs of the present invention are shown in FIGS.1–5 and designated by reference numeral 20. For reference purposes, thekeyboard 20 has a front edge 16 adjacent the user during normal use, anda back edge 17 distal from the user during normal use. Accordingly, anobject is said herein to be “behind” another object when it is betweenthat object and the back edge 17. An object is said herein to be“directly behind” another object when it is between that object and theback edge 17 and at least partially located within the lateral bounds ofthat object extending in the front-to-back direction. An object is saidherein to be “entirely directly behind” another object when it isbetween that object and the back edge 17 and entirely located within thelateral bounds of that object extending in the front-to-back direction.An object is said herein to be “in front of” another object when it isbetween that object and the front edge 16. Further, the keyboard 20 alsohas left and right edges 18 and 19. The direction “lateral” defines thegeneral directions from the left edge 18 to the right edge 19 and fromthe right edge 19 to the left edge 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard 20 includes an alphanumericsection 24, an editing section 26, a numeric section 28, and a functionsection 29. The alphanumeric section 24, sometimes referred to as theQWERTY section, may include keys for each of the letters of thealphabet, each of the digits 0–9, and various punctuation symbols. Thealphanumeric section 24 may alternatively be a subset of these keys. Theediting section 26, preferably located immediately to the right of thealphanumeric section 24, preferably includes four arrow keys, Delete,Home, End, PageUp, and PageDown keys. The numeric section 28, ispreferably to the right of the editing section 26. The numeric section28 preferably includes digit keys 0–9, arithmetic function keys /, *, −,and +, a decimal separator key, and an Enter key. The function section29 preferably includes an Escape (or Esc) key 34 and one or more groups38 of keys behind the alphanumeric section 24, one or more groups 36 ofkeys behind the numeric section 28, and one or more groups 32 of keysbehind the editing section 26. These keys preferably form a laterallyextending row. The keys in this row may be standard function keys and/ormay be command keys preferably labeled according to the command theyperform when pressed. The keys need not be limited to the key aslabeled. Additionally, the keyboard 20 preferably includes a laterallyextending row of “launch” or additional command keys 39 preferablylocated behind the row of keys in the function section 29.

The keyboard 20 also preferably includes an input region in the form ofinput zone 40, which in a preferred embodiment, is located laterally tothe left of alphanumeric section 24. The input zone 40 has a number ofinput devices including a first key group 50, a scroll device such as ascroll wheel 44, a second key group 60, and an application switchingdevice 70. By “wheel” as used in this context, it is meant a rotatabledevice that rotates about a single axis. In the illustrated embodiment,the scroll wheel 44 is mounted for rotation about an axis extendinglaterally relative to the keyboard 20. The wheel 44 may be rotated in acommon method of operation by engaging the periphery of the wheel 44with a thumb and/or one or more fingers, and rotating the wheel 44 in aforward or a backward direction. Rotation of the wheel 44 can cause animage on a display to scroll relative to the display screen. The scrollwheel 44 may be provided to function in any desired manner to convertthe rotational movement of the wheel 44 to an appropriate command tocause scrolling. Scroll wheels have been provided on computer mice toeffect scrolling and any such arrangement may be used for sensingrotation of the wheel 44. In one arrangement, as the scroll wheel 44 isrotated, an encoder senses the rotation of an encoder wheel and deliversa corresponding signal to a host computer. This signal, in turn, can beused to scroll an image as is known in the art. Scrolling is helpfulwhen a document is longer than the height of the display screen and theuser would like to see the entire document.

In an exemplary embodiment, the scroll wheel 44 has an exposed portionfor user manipulation that is preferably within the range of 2–5 cm inwidth and may have of a width of 3 cm. Additionally, the wheel 44 mayalso have a constant diameter, such as a diameter in the range of 1.5–3cm. In many embodiments, the width is greater than its diameter. In lieuof a constant diameter, the wheel 44 may have a tapered diameter and/orbe frustum-shaped as illustrated in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2. Inthis illustrated embodiment, the exposed portion of the wheel 44 has adiameter that decreases from one lateral end to the other. Stated in analternative manner, the wheel 44 has an asymmetric outer profile ordiameter from a lateral center line. For example, the wheel 44 has afirst diameter d1 at the lateral end proximal to the alphanumericsection 24 that tapers to a second smaller diameter d2 at the lateralend distal to the alphanumeric section 24. In one embodiment, the wheelmay have a 2.0–2.7 cm diameter at its larger lateral end d1, and a1.5–2.0 cm diameter at its smaller lateral end d2. One example of suchan embodiment would provide the wheel with a 2.5 cm diameter at itslarger lateral end d1, and a 1.9 cm diameter at its smaller lateral endd2. However, the wheel 44 may be provided with any desirable size and/ortaper. Such a profiled diameter can facilitate the interface with one ormultiple fingers of the user. For example, if the user chooses to useone, two, three, or all of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger,and/or little finger on his or her left hand, and maintain the fingersin a front-to-back orientation relative to the keyboard, the taper ofthe wheel 44 creates a profile that better corresponds to the locationof the tips of these fingers. If desired, the outer surface of the wheel44 may be preferably provided with a feature for enhancing grip such asgrooves or ribs, as schematically shown, or a high friction materialcoating, such as rubber.

In lieu of a scroll wheel 44, an alternative scrolling device such as atouch pad, a slider, a D-pad, such as those used on game controllers,joystick, or any other suitable input device may be used as a scrollingdevice to affect scrolling.

Further, the wheel 44 may be used to scroll a document horizontally whenthe document is wider than the width of the display screen according toknown techniques such as positioning the cursor over a graphicalhorizontal scroll bar and rotating the scroll wheel 44. Additionally,the scroll wheel 44 may be movable in a side-to-side manner to affecthorizontal or left and right scrolling. With such a side-to-side action,the wheel could depress internal or external switches actuatinghorizontal scrolling action. Such an embodiment may be used and isdisclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.**/***, ***,filed simultaneously herewith, entitled “Input Device Including a WheelAssembly for Scrolling an Image in Multiple Directions,” which is herebyincorporated by reference as to its entirety.

A raised laterally-extending portion 42 of the housing 22, referred toherein as a dividing ridge or a locating ridge, is preferably providedon opposing lateral sides of the wheel 44, and the wheel 44 may belocated in the ridge 42. This ridge 42 is a raised upper portion of thehousing 22 and facilitates the user's ability to locate and manipulatethe wheel 44 and adjacent input elements without visual inspection byproviding tactile feedback to the user. Further, it also facilitatesvisual location of these the features by serving a visual indicator.Thus, in turn, it enables the user to remain more visually and mentallyengaged with activity in the display while enabling “blind” location andmanipulation of the wheel 44. Further, the ridge 42 helps subdivide theinput zone 40 into a first consumption region or consumption zone 40 aand a composition region or composition zone 40 b (as shown in FIG. 2).The first consumption region or consumption zone 40 a preferablyincludes the scroll wheel 44 and a first set 50 of keys 52 and 54 on oneside of the ridge 42. The composition region or composition zone 40 bpreferably includes the scroll wheel 44, a second set 60 of keys 62, 64,and 66, and/or an application switching device 70 on the opposite sideof the ridge 42 from the first set 50 of keys.

The first key group 50 preferably includes a Back key 52 and a Forwardkey 54. The Back and Forward keys 52 and 54, when activated, will causea Back or Forward command to be provided, respectively. These commandsare commonly used with an internet browser where the browser willprovide information corresponding to a web address in a list that isimmediately behind or immediately following the current web address inthe list. Each of these keys 52 and 54 are preferably located in closeproximity to the scroll wheel 44. In one embodiment, as shown, thesekeys 52 and 54 are each located 2.5 centimeters or less from the wheel44 and/or 2.5 centimeters or less from each adjacent key.

The second key group 60 preferably includes a Cut key 62, a Copy key 64and a Paste key 66. These keys 60, 62 and 64 are preferably located inclose proximity to the scroll wheel 44. These commands are commonly usedto cut, copy, and paste information from one area in a file to anotherarea in the file or to a different file in a well known manner. In oneembodiment, as shown, these keys 62, 64, and 66 are each located 2.5centimeters or less from the wheel 44 and/or 2.5 centimeters or lessfrom each other. The ordering of the keys 62, 64, and 66 corresponds tothe ordering of the Cut, Copy and Paste graphical icons on graphicaltool bars on commonly used programs with editing features. Such orderingand spacing also are beneficial in that the Cut, Copy, and Paste keys,are placed under the ring, middle, and index fingers, respectively. Thisis beneficial because the relative frequency of use of these keys (Pasteis the most frequently used key in the set and Cut is the leastfrequently used key in the set) advantageously corresponds to therelative dexterity and strength of the fingers actuating these keys (theindex finger is the strongest and most dexterous in the set, while thering finger is the weakest and least dexterous in the set).

The keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 are also preferably labeled as oraccording to the command they perform when pressed. In a preferredarrangement, the indicia corresponding to the command is printedimmediately adjacent to or on each input element or key to indicate itsuse.

The keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 may preferably be low-profile keys asopposed to the keys in the alphanumeric section 24, the editing section26, the numeric section 28, and or the keys 38 behind these sections 24,26, and 28. That is, the upper surfaces of these keys 52, 54, 62, 64,and 66 are preferably flush or slightly raised above the upper surfaceof the housing 22. The buttons or keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 may beoval-shaped as shown. Alternatively, the keys may be round, square, orany other desired shape. If desired, the keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 mayhave the same size, shape, and/or profile as the standard alphanumerickeys or of other keys on the keyboard.

Additionally, in one arrangement, the keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 havean upper surface area that is preferably in the range between 50–80 mm²,e.g., 64 mm². However, it is recognized that they may have an uppersurface area in the range between 50 mm² to 195 mm², or they may be ofany other suitable size. Further, the keys 52, 54, 62, 64, and 66 arepreferably spaced to provide gaps between adjacent keys in each group 50and 60 within the range of 14 mm to 23 mm, e.g., 21 mm. It is recognizedthat the gaps may also be larger or smaller. It is also recognized thatany other type of key may be used.

Further, it is recognized that other input devices may be used toprovide these commands. For example, in lieu of distinct keys 52 and 54to provide Back and Forward commands, a toggle, rotatable dial, orslidable member, similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 2–4 for theapplication switching device 70, or other input device, may be used.

The application switching device 70 is preferably also included in theinput zone 40, may be any desired element or elements for switchingbetween open applications. However, an application switching device 70,such as those depicted in the figures, may be located at any location onthe keyboard. The application switching device 70 enables the user toquickly move between open applications. For example, the applicationswitching device 70 may include a toggle or rocker switch 72 as shown inFIG. 2. The toggle switch 72 is preferably mounted for pivotal movementrelative to the housing 22. The switch 72 includes opposing first andsecond ends 74 and 76, each of which may be pressed to switchapplications as described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the firstand second ends 74 and 76 of the toggle switch 72 are generally oval orovoid shaped and are connected by a center section. However, in lieu ofsuch an arrangement, the first and second ends 74 and 76 may becircular, square, rectangular, or any other desired shape. Further, thefirst and second ends 74 and 76 are preferably sized to have an arearanging between 64 mm² to 195 mm², e.g., 100 mm², and spacedcenter-to-center by a distance ranging from 14 mm to 23 mm, e.g., 21 mm.However, it is recognized that these ends 74 and 76 may be of anydesired size and spacing.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an applicationswitching device 70. In this embodiment, the application switchingdevice 70 takes the form of a rotatable dial 78. The dial 78 ispreferably rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface ofthe housing 22 for rotation in a plane parallel to the upper surface ofthe housing 22. Preferably, sensors inside of the housing detect whenthe dial has been rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise by apredetermined amount. Any desired sensing device may be used todetermine rotation of the dial such as a multi-position switch.Additionally, the outer circumference 79 of the dial 78 is preferablyprovided with a feature for enhancing grip such as grooves, ribs, or ahigh friction material coating, such as rubber. The dial 78 may be anydesired size.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an applicationswitching device 70. In this embodiment, the application switchingdevice 70 takes the form of a slider 80. The slider 80 preferablyincludes a slot 84 in the keyboard housing 22 and a slider member 82movable within the slot 84, and more specifically, between the lateralends 86, 88 of the slot 84. Any desired sensing device, such as amulti-position switch, may be used to determine displacement of theslider member 82. The slider member 82 may be designed to facilitatemanipulation by one or more fingers of the user. In one example, theslider member 82 may have a raised center section 89 facilitatingmovement of the slider member 82 in either lateral direction.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2–4, the movable member in theapplication switching device 70 is preferably a three-position device.That is, it has a center position, and moving the member in one of twoopposite or opposing directions can perform activation. Each of theapplication switching devices 70 in FIGS. 2–4 preferably includes one ormore biasing members, such as a spring, not shown, to bias the movablemember to its center position, so that it returns to its center positionupon release by the user. The three position movable members in FIGS.2–4 also present a beneficial design because they prevent unintendedsimultaneously activation in both directions.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an applicationswitching device 70. In this embodiment, the application switchingdevice 70 takes the form of two distinct buttons 96, 98. If desired, theapplication switching device 70 can take the form of a single buttonthat can switch the application in a single direction within a list ofapplications.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the application switchingdevice 70, whether it is composed of a single member (FIGS. 2 and 4) orplural distinct members (FIG. 5), is preferably laterally (i.e.,horizontally) oriented. That is, the single or multiple members arelaterally elongated or are laterally spaced. This orientation can bebeneficial because it corresponds biomechanically to the finger-handaction and because it corresponds to graphical interface action.However, the application switching device may alternatively be orientedin a different direction, such as vertical or diagonal.

Upon activation of the application switching device 70 by theappropriate method, e.g., by pivoting (FIG. 2), rotating (FIG. 3),sliding (FIG. 4), or pressing (FIG. 5), a command is sent to present agraphical interface on the display corresponding to the next (i.e.,following/forward or previous/back) open application or window in thelist.

In the exemplary embodiments as shown, the application switching device70 is independently-actuable. By “independently-actuable” it is meantthat it can function independently without the need of assistance ofother input devices. In other words, it means that the applicationswitching device 70 can be activated by a user to switch applicationswithout the need to provide additional user input, such as thesimultaneously pressing of an additional key. The application switchingdevice 70 is also preferably labeled by one or more words or symbolsproviding an indication that the corresponding input element(s) is forapplication switching. In a preferred arrangement, the word“Application” may be provided on or adjacent to the applicationswitching device 70. It is also preferred that the application switchingdevice 70 be dedicated for application switching and not be an elementusable for performing tasks. However, it is recognized that theapplication switching device 70 need not be independently-actuable,labeled, and/or dedicated for application switching.

Operation of the application switching device 70 will be described inconjunction with FIG. 6 that illustrates a graphical user interface on adisplay screen 100. Many operating systems, including MICROSOFT®WINDOWS®, enables the running of multiple applications at the same time.Examples of applications include word processors, database programs, Webbrowsers, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, andcommunication programs. Applications use the services of the computer'soperating system and may use other supporting applications. Using aseparate window for each application, the user can interact with eachapplication and go from one application to another without having toreinitiate it. Having different information or activities in multiplewindows may also make it easier for a computer user to work moreefficiently.

In FIG. 6, the active application is a MICROSOFT® Word file, shown by agraphical user interface or window 102, and in this case, having text104 therein. Icons 110–115 on the taskbar 120 graphically representother currently running applications, which may be located at the bottomof the display 100. A windowing systems built into the operating systemmanages and places these applications in an order, such as the order inwhich they are opened or initiated. In FIG. 6, the order on the taskbar120 includes four applications 110–113, the open application 106, andtwo additional applications 114–115. Applications, as used in thiscontext, denote different program applications as well as differentapplication files. For example, application 113 and open application 106are both MICROSOFT® Word files.

Actuating the application switching device 70 will switch the openapplication to the application that is next (either following orprevious) in the list. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, by(i) pressing the right side 76 of toggle 72 (FIG. 2), (ii) rotating thedial 78 clockwise (FIG. 3), (iii) translating the slider member 82 tothe right (FIG. 4), or (iv) pressing key 98 (FIG. 5), the openapplication 106 will switch to application 114. Each successiveactuation, as described above, causes the open application to switchfrom application 114 to application 115, to application 110, toapplication 111, to application 112, to application 113, and back toapplication 106, and so on. The user may switch the open application inthe opposite direction in the list, e.g., from application 106 toapplication 113, by: (i) pressing the left side 74 of toggle 72 (FIG.2), (ii) rotating the dial 78 counter-clockwise (FIG. 3), (iii)translating the slider member 82 to the left (FIG. 4), or (iv) pressingkey 96 (FIG. 5). Each successive actuation in that direction will causethe open application to switch from application 113 to application 112,to application 111, to application 110, to application 115, toapplication 114, and back to application 106, and so on. While it ispreferred that the provided application switching device 70 provide thecapability to switch applications in both directions (bi-directional),it is recognized that an application switching device may be providedthat only provides application switching in single direction(uni-directional). It is noted that while the direction of switching ofthe multi-directional application switching devices 70 preferably causeswitching in the direction as described above, it could be programmed toswitch applications in the opposite direction. While the switching ofthe applications/windows has been described based on a chronologicallyordering system (as opened) that exists on some common operatingsystems, the application switching device could be used to switchapplications/windows regardless of the ordering system used by theoperating system.

The input zone 40 on the computer keyboard 20 provides a user with a setof input elements that can be used to cooperate with an externalpointing device, such as a mouse. This enables the dominant andnon-dominant hands to work together to perform various functions, whichin turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient, andmakes reaching for the mouse unnecessary to perform some actions. In oneadvantage, the elements on the input zone 40 can be used by thenon-mouse hand (i.e., the non-dominant hand) of the user while theexternal pointing device may be used by the mouse hand (i.e., thedominant hand). Thus, it provides a palette of tools so that grossactions can be performed by the non-dominant hand to complement fineactions being performed by the dominant hand on a computer mouse.

The Forward and Back buttons 52 and 54 in combination with the scrollingdevice, e.g., wheel 44, in close proximity enhances the “consumption”aspect of using the keyboard. In operation, the user has the option toselect documents, web pages, or other items with the dominant hand(e.g., the right hand), and with the non-dominant hand (e.g., the lefthand) the user may (a) change the view of selection options using thescrolling device, e.g., wheel 44, and (b) move between web pages withthe Forward and Back buttons 52 and 54.

The Cut, Copy, and Paste keys 62, 64, and 66 in combination with thescrolling device, e.g., wheel 44, and the application switching device70 in close proximity enhances the “composition” aspect of using thekeyboard. Thus in operation, the user may search and select portions oftext, graphical objects, content of cells in spreadsheet, or other itemswith the dominant hand (e.g., the right hand), and with the non-dominanthand (e.g., the left hand) the user may (a) change the view of selectionusing the scrolling device to find text or object of interest, (b) Cut,Copy, and Paste items using dedicated keys 62, 64, and 66 in the region,(c) switch between open windows or applications using the applicationswitching device 70, and (d) repeat the steps during any creation orediting experience.

The relative locations between keys, key clusters, rows, and keyboardsections are preferably as shown in the figures. Thus, for example,while not specifically itemized, it is apparent from this specificationthat the Forward key 54 in the exemplary embodiment shown is entirelydirectly behind the Paste Key 66. Further, in the preferred embodiment,the entire input zone 40 is preferably, but not necessarily, less thanor equal to 5 or 6 cm laterally and less than or equal to 8, 9, or 10 cmfront-to-back, resulting in an overall area of less than or equal to 40,45, 48, 50, 54, or 60 cm². The size of the “consumption” input region,e.g., the first group of keys 50 and the scroll device 44, ispreferably, but not necessarily, less than or equal to 4 or 5 cmlaterally and less than or equal to 4, 5, or 6 cm front-to-back,resulting in an overall area of less than or equal to 16, 20, 24, 25, or30 cm². The size of the “composition” input region, e.g., the secondgroup of keys 60, the scroll device 44, and the application switchingdevice 70, is preferably, but not necessarily, less than or equal to 5or 6 cm laterally and less than or equal to 7, 8, or 9 cm front-to-back,resulting in an overall area of less than or equal to 35, 40, 42, 45,48, or 54 cm².

It is recognized that in use, the keyboard 20 would preferably becoupled to a system, such as, but not necessarily, a computer includinga processor and software to run the application programs. The keys forthe keyboard 20 may be operable to provide the desired commands to thesystem according to any known arrangement. Further, while the keyboard20 in the figures is shown as being of the type physically separatedfrom a computer or appliance, it is recognized that the keyboard may bestructurally integrated into a computer, such as a laptop computer, oran appliance or other device. Additionally, while the keys as shown arepreferably of standard size and shape for computer keyboards, it isrecognized that the herein-described invention shall be limited solelyby the claims appended hereto.

1. An apparatus having user input functionality, comprising: a set ofkeys including an alphanumeric section; and an input region, said inputregion disposed laterally from said alphanumeric section, said inputregion having an input element providing at least one of a Forwardcommand and a Back command when activated, and a rotatable wheel.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, said input element being a Forward key, said inputregion further comprising a Back key positioned adjacent said Forwardkey.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, said input region further having atleast one of a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, said input region further having a Cut key, a Copy key, and aPaste key.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said rotatable wheel isdisposed between said Forward and Back keys and said Cut, Copy, andPaste keys.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an upperhousing portion with a raised ridge positioned adjacent said rotatablewheel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotatable wheel has awidth along a rotatable axis, and a diameter, said width being largerthan said diameter.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inputregion is laterally disposed to the left of said alphanumeric section.9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotatable wheel includes firstand second sides and a diameter at each said side, wherein said diameterof said wheel is greater at the first side than the second side.
 10. Anapparatus having user input functionality, comprising: a set of keysincluding an alphanumeric section; and an input region, said inputregion disposed laterally from said alphanumeric section, said inputregion having a Cut key, a Copy key, a Paste key, and a rotatable wheel.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said rotatable wheel is disposedbehind said Cut, Copy, and Paste keys.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,said input region further having an application switching device, saidapplication switching device substantially disposed in front of saidCut, Copy, and Paste keys.